Economics

Global Economic History

Module code: L1093
Level 5
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Workshop, Lecture
Assessment modes: Take away paper, Coursework

In this module, we will address the big questions in history. The fundamental question, most famously addressed by Adam Smith, will be central: why are some countries rich while others are poor? It will be examined via sub-questions like: what caused the British Industrial revolution? When and why did China fall behind? What is the role of India and what challenges arising from being a late developer? Has Africa always been poor and will it stay so? We will discuss and assess some of the most important economic growth models and we will examine the fundamental causes that drove differences in economic performance: geography, trade, religion, institutions, and culture. Or has chance played a pivotal role in the divergence?

Module learning outcomes

• describe long term trends in the world economy and the rise and fall of empires
• describe, understand and critically assess quantitative methods and economic growth models used in Economic History as well as recognise the limits of those models
• contextualise the long run changes in the world economy in the light of modern economic concerns and understanding at least one empire’s rise and fall in detail
• discuss and analyse today’s sustainability and poverty problems from an historical perspective